“The Machinist” is, and I guess it always will be, my absolute favorite movie, hands down. I’m sure there are plenty of other movies out there with buckets more originality and inventiveness going for it, but they don’t matter to me because in my eyes, “The Machinist” has all that I’m looking for in the right dose. Not only does the film feature action, mystery, great characters, amazing cinematography and a fantastic surprise revelation at the climax, but everything is told in one of the most well written scripts I’ve ever encountered. Every line of dialogue, every detail revealed is so relevant and important to the story that it borders on poetic execution. What I’m trying to say is, I like the movie. I like it a whole lot.
First and foremost, neither I, nor anyone who sees this film can ignore the elephant in the room that is Christian Bale’s absolute commitment to his role. For those of you who don’t know the extent of Christian Bale’s work, it extends far past what many of you would consider a “silly” rasp in his voice when playing the new Batman. The man may be the single greatest method actor of our time. For “American Psycho” he dropped his British accent for the entire duration of filming and adopted a foreign American timbre. Not only that but he crafted his body into literally perfect physical condition. Here again for “The Machinist” he speaks with a perfect American accent, but not only did he get in shape for the role, he achieved a figure that would make Vogue magazine cover models get jealous. Christian Bale lost 62 pounds for this role, ending at a weight of 120 lbs. He was aiming for 99 but the producers stopped him because he was already losing control of his body. Seriously. For 4 months he lived off of a cup of coffee and either an apple or a can of tuna. You wish you had as much dedication as this guy. Then again, maybe not, considering the guy looks like a holocaust victim, and that’s without any special effects. I’m not exaggerating the loss of bodily control either. After a take, Christian would be so exhausted that he was prone to violent trembling and even passing out.
So before we’ve even gotten to the actual movie, we see something worth praise. But why did Bale see it necessary to put his body through this rigorous regimen? Well, as I mentioned before, he is a method actor, meaning he strives to inhabit the role and its emotions by essentially “becoming” the character. And in this case, that character is Trevor Reznik, a malnourished, hallucinating insomniac who has been awake for over a year. Yeah, I’d say Christian Bale did pretty much all he could to “become” the role.
The success of this movie is also do in no small part to the superb direction by Brad Anderson, who I think is an unsung genius of directing, having made some delightful, but underappreciated gems like “Transsiberian” and “Happy Accidents.” He spans many genres and his creativity seemingly knows no bounds. His cause is only bolstered by cinematographer Xavi Giménez, who had a hand in creating some of the creepiest, most surreal, and yet effective camera shots ever in film history. Their work together in this produces something that is utterly chilling and truly brilliant.
The plot of the movie is more streamlined than a Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, and if you think that was a long walk for an analogy, just Google a picture of it and you’ll agree I chose wisely. It’s quite a streamlined piece of aerospace engineering. Now that you’ve seen that my needlessly long simile and resultant defense thereof, let me elaborate. Every single line of dialogue feels needed and, in fact, is. The characters take part in conversations rife with hints or foreshadowing relating to the huge reveal that comes at the end of the film. I will not spoil it for you, but needless to say, when you learn it, it will hit you as hard as Trevor hit that boy in the accident he keeps denying ever happens (I may have gone a touch too literal on the analogy this time; like Trevor Reznik, please forget this ever happened… DAMMIT!).
The story is great because the characters are all so believable despite the Gothically dark and horrible circumstances thrust upon them. It allows the viewer to accept what is happening to the characters without ever growing cynical towards the situation. The story builds and builds, until the tension becomes palpable and in the final minutes of the film, the twist is unveiled and all that we’ve experienced up until that point comes washing down on us in a cascade of realization. Never have I felt such justification (or perhaps even vindication) in my choice to watch a movie. And I feel that every time I watch this.
My verdict is: watch “The Machinist,” if not for the outstanding performances, the creepy settings and music, the flawless writing, or the transcendental cinematography, then for all of them together, because by combining these elements you are left with something one rarely sees in cinema, a film that surpasses itself every time it’s watched.
Oh, and by the way, after filming this, Christian Bale immediately began regaining his weight, plus an extra 40 pounds (of mostly muscle) to play the role most of us know him for, Bruce Wayne. Christian Bale laughs at you mortals and your Jenny Craig.
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